After ushering in the era of pop metal with their 1986 blockbuster Slippery When Wet, the New Jersey band transcended the big-haired ’80s and became one of the biggest American rock bands of all time. With their combination of power and mellow melodies, they continue to thrill audiences with their live concerts and record releases.
Jon Bon Jovi, a self-taught musician, grew up in a working-class family of Italian immigrants. As a teenager, he played in local bars and wrote his first hit Runaway, which landed on a regional chart. It was a sign that he had talent. He plowed ahead, playing and singing on local radio, until he caught the attention of a New York executive who signed him to PolyGram Records. He threw in his lot with a group of musicians (Alec John Such, David Bryan, Tico Torres and Richie Sambora) and they recorded the first album, The Bon Jovi Sound, which was not a major hit but was an important step forward.
Bon Jovi’s third studio album, Crush, came out in 1992 and was a massive hit in the United States. Its single, Have a Nice Day, is still beloved by fans today and remains a fan favorite during live shows. Similarly, songs like In and Out of Love and Living on a Prayer have a universal appeal that endures.
By the time Bon Jovi released their eighth studio album, This Left Feels Right in 2002, they were a household name in the US. The album was a worldwide smash, with its singles Have a Nice Day and You’ll Never Walk Alone capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. It was followed by a hugely successful international tour.
With more than 120 million albums sold to date, Bon Jovi is the second best-selling American rock band of all time. They have toured the world more than 2,700 times, and have won numerous awards. Bon Jovi’s music has reached far and wide, influencing pop culture through their catchy, power ballads.
The band’s success continued into the 21st century as they changed and matured with the times without losing sight of their core audience. They have dabbled in country and written songs with dance-pop producer Max Martin, but they have always been true to themselves.
This is evident in the band’s most recent release, 2020. It features the same familiar guitar riffs and power vocals that made them famous in the ’80s but with a more modern feel. The result is an album that has a fresh sound and a renewed sense of urgency.
Despite his enormous fame, Bon Jovi has kept his feet on the ground and continues to work hard for his fans. In addition to his musical career, he has also built an acting portfolio that includes appearances in films such as Moonlight and Valentino and the HBO series The Leading Man. He is also an accomplished philanthropist, running a foundation to aid children with physical and emotional needs.